How to Make Lemon, Garlic, and Asparagus Warm Caprese Pasta Salad - A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re looking for a refreshing and bright pasta salad recipe to enjoy on a warm summer day, look no further than this Lemon, Garlic, and Asparagus Warm Caprese Pasta Salad. This dish takes the classic caprese salad and gives it a twist by incorporating warm pasta and vibrant asparagus, creating a delightful and satisfying meal that is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.

The combination of tangy lemon, aromatic garlic, and tender asparagus perfectly complements ...

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound mezze (short) penne pasta
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into thirds
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice, or more to taste
  • ½ large shallot, minced
  • 2 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large grilled chicken breast, sliced thinly and halved (Optional)
  • 1 roma (plum) tomato, diced
  • 8 leaves fresh basil, torn

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Servings: 6
  • Yield: 6 servings

  • Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil. Stir in penne and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes; drain.
  • Place asparagus into a saucepan, add a little water, and place over medium heat; cover pan and let asparagus steam until bright green and tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain.
  • Heat olive oil with butter and lemon juice in a large saucepan over medium-low heat until butter melts; cook and stir shallot in hot oil and butter mixture until it just begins to soften, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir garlic into shallot mixture and cook until shallot and garlic are opaque, 3 more minutes. Stir asparagus and chicken into mixture; cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
  • Toss pasta with chicken and vegetables to combine; mix tomato and basil into salad and serve warm.
  • Nutrition

    446 cal.

    • Total Fat: 18g
    • Saturated Fat: 6g
    • Cholesterol: 23mg
    • Sodium: 54mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 60g
    • Dietary Fiber: 4g
    • Total Sugars: 4g
    • Protein: 15g
    • Vitamin C: 7mg
    • Calcium: 44mg
    • Iron: 4mg
    • Potassium: 367mg